How to Cope with Workplace Bullying
Workplace bullying doesn’t always look like shouting or slamming doors. It can come in quiet, undermining comments, repeated exclusion, or persistent pressure that chips away at your confidence and wellbeing. If you’re dealing with bullying in the workplace, the most important thing to know is this: you are not expected to cope in silence. You have options, and you have rights.
Understanding those rights is an important first step. If you’re unsure what protections are available to you, our guide to employment law basics and workplace rights can provide helpful context.
In Ontario, the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) outlines employer responsibilities related to workplace violence and workplace harassment, including bullying. Under the OHSA, all workers are entitled to a respectful, safe and healthy workplace, and employers must have policies and procedures in place to prevent bullying and respond appropriately when it’s reported. You can learn more about those obligations here.
What Does Workplace Bullying Look Like?
One of the first challenges is recognizing bullying behavior. Some employees hesitate to label what they’re experiencing as bullying, especially if it’s subtle or disguised as “constructive feedback.” But bullying is not about one-off conflicts, it’s a pattern of abusive behaviour that creates a toxic work environment. It can include:
- Excessive criticism or micromanaging
- Verbal abuse, sarcasm, or inappropriate jokes
- Undermining a person’s work or spreading rumours
- Withholding information necessary to do a job properly
- Publicly belittling or embarrassing someone
It’s important to assess not just a person’s actions, but the negative effects those actions have on your health, performance, and sense of safety at work.
What If You’re Not Sure It’s Bullying?
You’re not alone. Many victims of workplace bullying ask themselves whether they’re overreacting. They often feel powerless, especially when bullies exist in positions of authority or influence. If you’re feeling targeted, anxious, or afraid to go to work, it’s worth looking deeper. Ask yourself:
- Is the behaviour targeted and repeated?
- Is it affecting your mental health, confidence, or productivity?
- Have you tried to address it and the bullying continues?
- Are other co-workers witnessing it, or experiencing it, too?
When in doubt, documenting as much detail as possible can help clarify the situation and support future action.
The Impact of Bullying on Health and Work
Bullying doesn’t just stay at work, it follows people home. Many individuals dealing with workplace harassment report serious mental health impacts, including anxiety, panic attacks, and increased stress, which can have real physical health consequences, including
high blood pressure, headaches, and insomnia. When the mental strain of bullying and/or harassment manifests in physical symptoms, it can lead to increased absenteeism or even long-term leaves.
If your wellbeing is being compromised, it may be time to speak with a mental health professional or clinical psychologist. Seeking professional help doesn’t weaken your claim, it strengthens it. It also supports your overall health, which must remain a priority.
What You Can Do Right Now
1. Document Everything
Keep a detailed record of the bullying situation. Note dates, times, what was said or done, and any witnesses. Save emails, texts, or notes that illustrate the pattern. This becomes important if you choose to file a formal complaint or seek legal advice.
2. Set Boundaries
If safe to do so, use a direct approach to let the person know their behavior is inappropriate. Sometimes, a clear boundary can stop the cycle.
3. Talk to Human Resources or Management
Most employers have workplace policies in place to deal with bullying. Consult your employee handbook and raise your concerns with human resources or a trusted manager. Make sure you follow any internal reporting procedures, as these steps can support future legal action if necessary.
4. Explore Stress Management Tools
If the situation is ongoing and you’re waiting for management to follow through, consider stress management strategies that help protect your well being. Whether it’s exercise, therapy, meditation, or simply taking time off to spend time with people who support you, self-care is often overlooked.
What If Reporting Doesn’t Help?
In some cases, internal complaints are ignored or mishandled, especially if the person you’ve reported is in a position of power. If your employer fails to act, or if the bullying affects your ability to stay in your role, it may be time to escalate. Legal options can include:
- Filing a complaint under the OHSA
- Exploring a civil claim for constructive dismissal if the environment becomes intolerable
- Pursuing a human rights complaint if the bullying relates to protected grounds like race, gender, or disability
Each situation is different. If you’re uncertain, reviewing your options with a Toronto employment lawyer can help you determine the approach that best protects your interests.
You Don’t Have to Handle This Alone
If you’re trying to figure out how to cope with workplace bullying, you’re already taking a critical first step. At Whitten & Lublin, we understand how isolating and complex these situations can be. Whether you’re navigating internal processes, considering a legal claim, or simply need clarity, we can help you understand your rights under Ontario law.
Our team regularly advises clients facing bullying, harassment, and other toxic workplace issues. If you’re unsure where your experience fits legally, you can explore the types of employment law cases we handle for more context.
Your workplace should be a place of respect, not risk. Contact us today at 416-640-2667 to speak with a lawyer and take the next step toward a safer, healthier professional future.